How does cognitive behavioral therapy work?

The perception you have of the world is filtered through your own subjective lens. This lens operates by analyzing personal experiences, values, culture, and beliefs to form interpretations of the world around you. This means that each person can experience the same thing and form different feelings and opinions about it. Often, our emotional health is dictated by the health of our thought life. If you have a “glass half empty” outlook, your perception of life will match. Negative thought processes that have taken root can be hard to alter because your subconscious mind begins to automatically filter every experience and thought through this viewpoint. As a result, you may be caught in a cycle of negative thinking that can lead to anxiety and unhealthy behaviors without even realizing it. Cognitive behavioral therapy works by pinpointing negative thought patterns and changing them to reflect a more positive outlook. When the inside thoughts change, the outside actions follow!

How can cognitive behavioral therapy help my anxiety?

Therapists can use cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify and alter the negative patterns that have kept you trapped in your anxiety. It is difficult to truly change what we do not acknowledge. That is why the first step to cognitive behavioral therapy is taking inventory of your thought life. Once you complete this step you then have the ability to trigger your body and emotions to feel a certain way by the thoughts you have. As a result, behavior follows your lead and you are trapped living a life that prevents you from reaching your full potential!
If you are like me, you have likely experienced intense anxiety about a situation only to find out that it was not as scary as you once anticipated. Anxiety is a normal response to potential threats and warns the body of impending danger, but does not have to control your life or affect your well-being.

Cognitive tips to try at home:

• Reflective journaling- helps you to identify triggers that lead to unhealthy thoughts and behaviors
• Forming a contingency plan- creating a plan to help you cope with your anxiety when you are triggered
• Deep breathing- helps you focus on logic and prevent irrational responses to stressful situations by
• Meditation- helps increase focus and can relax your mind, body, and soul

These tips are a great way to lessen your mild anxiety symptoms and form healthy habits. However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms that are interfering with your ability to function in your daily life, our therapy team is here to help!

Next Steps

If you are overwhelmed with anxiety, you are not alone. At New Vision Counseling and Consulting, we have a team of highly trained therapists who are here to help you. We want to walk beside you and guide you through steps you can take to break the chains that anxiety has placed over your life. We thrive on creating a compassionate and understanding environment where you can truly find the freedom to heal. Whether you are interested in trying cognitive behavioral therapy or are not sure what you need, we are here and can help. The New Vision team specializes in forming personalized treatment strategies that fit your needs and lifestyle. We can be reached by calling 405-921-7776. We look forward to hearing your story and cannot wait to meet you!